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2026 - Proposed Demolition of the Reitzell House Structural Remains to Mitigate Safety Hazards
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park » 2026 - Proposed Demolition of the Reitzell House Structural Remains to Mitigate Safety Hazards
Located along Dam Number 5 Road in Clear Spring, MD, the Elizabeth Reitzell House has become a significant safety hazard for park visitors. The house is a two-story, three-bay balloon frame structure dating to the mid-to-late nineteenth century. It is situated on a rocky limestone bluff above the Potomac River at Towpath Mile Marker 106.92. Much of the historic fabric of this house had been previously altered or removed, although the present footprint appears to remain the same as in early photographs, including both porches.
After a severe weather event in April 2025, the north elevation of the house collapsed, and the east elevation became unstable. The roof and north chimney collapsed to the inside of the house, causing the north half of the second story to fall into the first story. The current condition of what remains of the house and the proximity to the public roadway create a safety hazard.
The remaining walls and construction debris associated with the house will be demolished and removed from the site. The masonry foundation will be stabilized in place and will preserve the footprint of the historic house upon the completed removal of the superstructure and associated fabric. The landscape and other features surrounding the structure, including driveway, sidewalk, and ornamental vegetation, will also be mostly preserved, requiring only minor regrading and replanting of native vegetation for erosion control where ground disturbance resulting from demolition activities occurs.
Some ground disturbance is anticipated as a result of the demolition project owing to the use of mechanized equipment to safely remove the collapsing superstructure. The foundation will be stabilized in-situ and will preserve the footprint of the historic house upon demolition and removal of aboveground material. Some minor vegetation removal may be required for vehicle/equipment access. The site will be restored with native vegetation and seed upon project completion.
After a severe weather event in April 2025, the north elevation of the house collapsed, and the east elevation became unstable. The roof and north chimney collapsed to the inside of the house, causing the north half of the second story to fall into the first story. The current condition of what remains of the house and the proximity to the public roadway create a safety hazard.
The remaining walls and construction debris associated with the house will be demolished and removed from the site. The masonry foundation will be stabilized in place and will preserve the footprint of the historic house upon the completed removal of the superstructure and associated fabric. The landscape and other features surrounding the structure, including driveway, sidewalk, and ornamental vegetation, will also be mostly preserved, requiring only minor regrading and replanting of native vegetation for erosion control where ground disturbance resulting from demolition activities occurs.
Some ground disturbance is anticipated as a result of the demolition project owing to the use of mechanized equipment to safely remove the collapsing superstructure. The foundation will be stabilized in-situ and will preserve the footprint of the historic house upon demolition and removal of aboveground material. Some minor vegetation removal may be required for vehicle/equipment access. The site will be restored with native vegetation and seed upon project completion.